Shanghai - Kunming: Stone Forest and City Highlights (L)

Shanghai Tourist Service Center (Pudong Airport T2) - The driver will meet you in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, holding a sign with your name, and transfer you to the airport for a 3-hour flight to Kunming.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Your tour guide will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. Board your private vehicle and head directly to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, a journey of about 1.5 hours. During the drive, your tour guide will share fascinating stories, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, also known as Kunming Stone Forest, is a breathtaking collection of limestone formations and a prime example of South China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been hailed as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. Approximately 270 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era, the area was a vast sea. Over time, the lithosphere’s movements caused the sea to recede, giving rise to the limestone landscape. Continuous erosion by natural elements has shaped the area into its current form. The park is a vast natural treasure trove. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to explore the park, using your imagination to uncover its wonders. Your guide will share legendary tales and show you the best spots for photos. You will spend 2-3 hours visiting the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area.

Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you can choose to visit the Flowers and Birds Market. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the continuous singing of birds. The market features mainly tropical fish, small and brightly colored for home aquariums. It is also a popular place for trading antiques, where you can find curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products among the arts and crafts. If you’re interested in purchasing souvenirs, feel free to ask your tour guide for tips on negotiating prices.

China - Alternatively, you can explore Cuihu Park.

Green Lake Park offers captivating scenery with a variety of lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Wander along the paths and pavilions, enjoying the sight of locals in traditional minority costumes dancing, playing musical instruments, singing, tasting tea, and chatting with friends and family. Admire the lovely tulips if you visit in spring, the diverse lotus flowers in summer, and watch black-headed gulls playing together in winter.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kunming.

Kunming- Dali(B, L)

Kunming Nanyao Railway Station - Your driver will meet you in the lobby of your Kunming hotel and transfer you to Kunming train station. Enjoy a fantastic 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, your tour guide will greet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a sign displaying your name.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a national treasure under preservation, are 1,800 years old and a testament to the development of Buddhism in the area. They stand at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan, facing the west shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, stroll around the temple and courtyards with your tour guide, admiring the over 1,000-year-old pagoda and learning about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali Town - Continue to Dali Ancient Town. Spend some leisure time exploring the ancient town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and marvelous scenery. You will have lunch at a restaurant here.

Dali Ancient Town was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China and served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.

Erhai Lake - Then, continue to Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake and one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. Its name means ‘sea shaped like an ear’ in Chinese.

Xizhou Town - Depending on your schedule, you can visit Xizhou Town. Xizhou Town is a main residential area for the Bai Nationality and a birthplace of Dali culture. It is also a famous historic cultural town of the Bai Nationality. Spend some leisure time exploring the town, and your tour guide will share detailed stories about the Bai Nationality. Feel free to ask any questions.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Dali.

Dali-Shaxi Ancient Town- Lijiang (B, L)

Dali Town - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Dali and head directly to Shaxi Ancient Town, a journey of about 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi - Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to explore. Stroll around Sifang Street, and if you visit on a Friday, you will experience the local trading fair, where mountain villagers come down from the hills with their horses to trade goods.

Next, visit the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD) Xingjiao Temple. It is the largest and most representative Buddhist Tantra temple in China. The well-preserved murals of the Ming Dynasty in the temple are deeply influenced by the painting style of the Central Plains in China and have rich local ethnic characteristics. They are treasures of the Bai People in southwestern China. Your tour guide will provide more information and facts about Buddhism in China.

Continue to explore the Ancient Opera Stage and Yuxi Bridge.

Baisha Ancient Town - Next, travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the best place to witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then set off to explore.

Baisha Village was once a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. Its construction began during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and it was the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang before the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Stroll around the village with your tour guide, learning about its history and the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. Admire the Baisha Murals, a series of religious paintings created by Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painters, as well as artists from other nationalities. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent a fusion of art from different nationalities.

Then, visit Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi cultures.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head directly to Lijiang Old Town, a journey of about 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village(B, L)

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and head directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a journey of about 1 hour. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Consisting of 13 peaks, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. From Lijiang Old Town, the snow-covered and fog-enveloped mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Learn about its legendary stories from your tour guide. Upon arrival, take the convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4,506 meters) and marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. You can choose to hike up to 4,680 meters via wooden stairs. When ready to leave, descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then experience the amazing Lijiang Impressions Show. The show is performed during the day, using the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its stage backdrop. More than 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities give their best performance. They use unique movements and original songs to showcase their culture, history, and customs. When booking, you can choose your preferred tickets for the show.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Next, travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the best place to witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then set off to explore.

Baisha Village was once a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. Its construction began during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and it was the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang before the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Stroll around the village with your tour guide, learning about its history and the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. Admire the Baisha Murals, a series of religious paintings created by Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painters, as well as artists from other nationalities. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent a fusion of art from different nationalities.

Then, visit Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi cultures.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang.

Lijiang City Highlights(B, L)

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, then start exploring the Old Town of Lijiang. The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved ancient city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. The town was first built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) and has a history of over 800 years. As a result of the blend of multinational culture and the progress of the Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings here incorporate the best architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - Stroll around the old town with your tour guide, stopping at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and the animist Dongba religion. Explore the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.

Mufu Palace - Next, visit Mufu Palace. The top ruler of the Naxi minority, the Mu Family, governed Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years with 22 generations of rulers. The present Mufu Palace represents ancient central China architectural style from the Ming Dynasty, while also retaining characteristics of the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the minority features of the Bai and Naxi groups. Besides its architectural value, it is also an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial style with Suzhou’s style. Explore the palace and learn about its history and stories from your tour guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, explore Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your tour guide to explore ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. Enjoy the amazing view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park. If you choose to return to Shanghai, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (No time for lunch)

Lijiang Lion Rock - If you choose to end your tour in Lijiang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then move on to Lion Hill Park. The Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion from afar, providing a wonderful view.

Wangu Pavilion - Reach the mountaintop and ascend to Wangu Pavilion, a five-storied all-wooden edifice with five elegant eaves. The tower is regarded as the No.1 Domed-shaped Structure in China. Prepare your camera to capture the panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and the Naxi minority villages.

Wenchang Palace - Move on to Wenchang Palace. Originally built in 1725, the palace was once the location for exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Stroll around the area, then move to Twin-Stone Garden, where you can find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating the civilization of the Naxi nationality. If you have other places in mind to visit, just let your tour guide know.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang (please book your own hotel in advance).

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Plane tickets (economy class)
• Middle seats ticket for Lijiang Show
• 2nd Class Train ticket Kunming-Dali
• Private guide
• Battery bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Stone Forest
• Lunch
• Private air-conditioned comfortable car
• Breakfast
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• Entrance fee
• Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option

• Single supplement charge of accommodation
• Accommodation if you choose the option to have tour only
• Gratuities

Embark on the Yunnan Discovery Cultural Trip, where you will explore the historic cities of Kunming, Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town, and Lijiang, starting from Shanghai by plane. This customized tour is designed to meet your preferences and includes visits to renowned attractions such as Stone Forest, Guihu Park, Flower and Birds Market, Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Shaxi Ancient Village, Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town, and Baisha Village. Additionally, discover Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the spectacular open-air Impression Lijiang Show, featuring performances by local villagers. The tour package includes plane/train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, show tickets, a round-trip cable car ride, an English-speaking tour guide, and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. You have the option to conclude your tour in Lijiang or return to Shanghai. The tour also offers the choice to book 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.